Protection unit for control-command units of an electrical cabinet

Abstract

A protection unit comprising a power switching device (20) with a mechanical switch (23). To improve the versatility of the power switching while making lockout / tagout more reliable and easier, the power switching device (20) is provided to include an electro-actuator (28) that actuates the mechanical switch (23) and is controlled by an electronic control unit (30), itself powered via an auxiliary switching device (40). A lockout / tagout system with a latch (50) is provided, which, in a lockout configuration, mechanically holds the mechanical switch (23) and the auxiliary switching device (40) in an isolation configuration, and, in an operating configuration, allows the mechanical switch and the auxiliary switching device to move between the conduction and isolation configurations.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a protection unit, for electrically connecting a power supply to control-command units of an electrical cabinet, and relates to an electrical cabinet comprising such a protection unit.

[0002] The invention relates to the general field of electrical protection and electrical lockout, preferably for industrial installations.

[0003] In an industrial context, to connect a power supply to electrical loads, such as electric motors or other machines, it is known to install an electrical connection cabinet, with one or more control units, delivering electrical power to the electrical loads, from the power supply. These control units are connected within the cabinet to the power supply and include electronic and / or mechanical elements to provide electrical power to the electrical loads. Each control unit is advantageously in the form of a drawer.

[0004] To ensure electrical protection of control units and electrical loads, it is known to interpose a protection unit, including for example a magnetothermal circuit breaker and / or a disconnector, between the power supply and the control drawers. In addition to the trip devices it incorporates to detect electrical faults, this protection unit can generally be manually controlled by a technician on the front of the electrical cabinet, using a control lever.

[0005] In order to carry out work on the control-command drawers and / or on the electrical loads, it is desirable for the technician to be able to carry out an electrical lockout of the protection unit. Thanks to the presence of the control handle, the technician can carry out this electrical lockout by positioning the control handle in a position where the handle forces the internal moving contacts of the device to be in the isolation position, and by locking the handle using one or more padlocks. Then, the technician is assured that the control-command drawers and the loads are de-energized during his intervention.

[0006] However, technological progress has led to the need for a more complex and versatile protection unit to provide electrical protection, which may lead to the absence of a lever on the front of the cabinet. However, this absence of a lever prevents electrical lockout, which is necessary to protect the technician during his intervention.

[0007] Outside this context, EP 3 322 052 A1 describes an operating mode selector for an earthing switch. The switch comprises power contacts and a motor for operating them. The selector comprises a plurality of positions corresponding respectively to different operating modes of the earthing switch and comprises cams whose position is defined by the position of the selector, including a first cam which drives a first locking member intended to mechanically block the motor of the earthing switch when the selector is in one of said positions, corresponding to a closed locked mode in which the earthing switch is closed.

[0008] The invention therefore aims to address this problem by proposing a new protection unit for connecting a power supply to control units, which, while improving the versatility of power switching, allows reliable and easy configuration of the lockout.

[0009] To this end, the invention relates to a protection unit for electrically connecting a power supply to control units of an electrical cabinet, the protection unit comprising a housing and at least one power switching device. Said at least one power switching device is arranged in the housing and comprises: a power input, configured to be electrically connected to the power supply; a power output, intended to be electrically connected to the control units; and a mechanical switch, which evolves between a conduction configuration, where the mechanical switch electrically connects the power output to the power input, and an isolation configuration, where the mechanical switch electrically isolates the power output from the power input.

[0010] According to the invention, said at least one power switching apparatus comprises an electro-actuator, which is configured to actuate the mechanical switch between the conduction configuration and the isolation configuration.According to the invention, the protection unit further comprises: an electronic control unit, which is arranged in the housing and which is configured to control said at least one power switching device, by electrically controlling the electro-actuator; an auxiliary switching device, which is arranged in the housing and which comprises an auxiliary input, to be electrically connected to the power supply, an auxiliary output, to be electrically connected to the electronic control unit, and a mechanical control, to switch the auxiliary switching device between a conduction configuration, where the auxiliary output is electrically connected to the auxiliary input, and an isolation configuration, where the auxiliary output is electrically isolated from the auxiliary input; and a lockout system, which comprises a lock, which is movable relative to the housing.The lockout system is configured to move between: a lockout configuration, in which the latch is positioned in a lockout position and mechanically holds the mechanical switch of said at least one power switching device in an isolated configuration and mechanically holds the auxiliary switching device in an isolated configuration; and an operating configuration, in which the latch is positioned to allow the mechanical switch of said at least one power switching device to move between the isolated configuration and the conduction configuration and allows the auxiliary switching device to move between the conduction configuration and the isolated configuration.

[0011] An idea underlying the invention is to provide that, in the operating configuration, said at least one power switching device is electronically controlled by the electronic control unit. Compared to a conventional electromechanical control, the electronic control is more versatile and customizable, because the triggering of the switching can be controlled according to particularly varied events, parameters, scenarios and information. The control of the power switching device(s) by the electronic control unit can for example be carried out on the basis of a program executed by the electronic control unit, taking into account varied data, for example from sensors installed in the protection unit, the control-command units, the electrical loads connected to the control-command units, and / or elsewhere.Remote control of the electronic control unit is also possible.

[0012] However, thanks to the invention, this electronic control of said at least one power switching device is carried out without prejudice to the safety of the technician who wishes to intervene downstream of the protection unit, in particular at the level of the control-command units or the electrical loads which are possibly connected thereto. Indeed, the lockout system of the invention allows the setting in lockout configuration where, simultaneously, the lock cuts the electrical power supply by putting said at least one power switching device in isolation configuration and deactivates the electronic control unit by acting on the auxiliary switching device. Thus, in lockout configuration, there is no risk that the electronic control unit can command a setting in conduction configuration of the mechanical switch of said at least one power switching device.Conversely, there is no risk of the mechanical switch being in the conduction configuration elsewhere. In particular, there is no risk of performing a lockout of the electronic control unit without performing a lockout of the mechanical switch, and vice versa, since these two lockouts are both necessarily performed by placing the lock in the lockout position.

[0013] Preferably, in the operating configuration, said at least one power switching device mechanically prevents the lock from being placed in the lockout position, when the mechanical switch is in the conduction configuration, and mechanically allows the lock to be placed in the lockout position, when the mechanical switch is in the isolation configuration.

[0014] Preferably, the lockout system comprises a slider, which is arranged in the housing and which is slidable relative to the housing along a main axis fixed relative to the housing. Preferably, in the lockout configuration, to mechanically maintain the mechanical switch of said at least one power switching device in the isolation configuration, the lock maintains the slider in a retaining position relative to the housing, in which the slider mechanically maintains the mechanical switch in the isolation configuration.Preferably, in the operating configuration, the slider is driven by the mechanical switch of said at least one power switching device, between: a prevention position, when the mechanical switch is in the conduction configuration, where the lock is prevented from being put in the lockout position, and an authorization position, when the mechanical switch is in the isolation configuration, where the lock is authorized to be put in the lockout position.

[0015] Preferably, the lock is pivotable relative to the slider about the main axis, between a locking orientation, when the lock is in the locking position, and a unlocking orientation, adopted in the operating configuration. Preferably, the slider and the lock comprise axial stops, which are arranged so as to: be opposite each other parallel to the main axis when the lock is in the locking position, so that, in the locking configuration, the lock retains the slider in the retaining position by abutting the axial stops thus opposite; and be offset relative to each other about the main axis when the lock is in the unlocking orientation, so that, in the operating configuration, the lock authorizes the slider to be moved between the preventing position and the enabling position.

[0016] Preferably, the lock and the slider comprise rotation stops, which are arranged so as to: be at the same height along the main axis, when the lockout system is in the operating configuration with the slider in the preventing position, so that the slider maintains the lock in the lockout orientation by abutting the rotation stops; and be at different heights along the main axis, when the lockout system is in the locking configuration, so that the slider allows the lock to be pivoted between the lockout orientation and the lockout orientation.

[0017] Preferably, the lock is fixed in translation along the main axis, relative to the housing.

[0018] Preferably, the locking system comprises a slide spring, which exerts an elastic force on the slide, by bearing on the housing, tending to move the slide towards the prevention position, when the slide is in the retaining position.

[0019] Preferably, the lock comprises a ramp, which is configured to actuate the mechanical control of the auxiliary switching device, to put the auxiliary switching device in the isolation configuration, when the lock is in the lockout position and which is configured not to actuate the mechanical control when the lockout system is in the operating configuration.

[0020] Preferably, the lock comprises a lockout port and the lockout system comprises a masking system, which is configured to: allow the lockout port to receive a padlock, when the lockout system is in the lockout configuration; and mask the lockout port when the lockout system is in the operating configuration, to prevent the lockout port from receiving the padlock.

[0021] Preferably, the lock comprises an external portion, which: in the operating configuration with the slider in the preventing position, is retracted inside the housing to prevent the lock from being put in the locking position; and in the operating configuration with the slider in the enabling position and in the locking configuration, protrudes outside the housing to allow the lock (250) to be put in the locking position.

[0022] Preferably, when the lock is in the lockout orientation, the lock is slidable relative to the housing and the slider along the main axis. Preferably, relative to the slider, the lock slides between an initial height, adopted in the operating configuration, and a lockout height, adopted in the lockout configuration, the lock being at the lockout height when the lock is in the lockout position. Preferably, the lockout system comprises a lock spring, which exerts an elastic force on the lock, by bearing on the slider, tending to move the lock towards the initial height when the lock is at the lockout height.The lock and the housing comprise axial stops, which are arranged so as to: face each other parallel to the main axis when the lock is in the lockout position, so that, in the lockout configuration, the housing retains the lock in the retaining position by placing the axial stops thus facing each other in abutment parallel to the main axis; and be offset relative to each other around the main axis when the lock is in the lockout orientation, so that, in the operating configuration, the housing allows the lock to be moved between the lockout height and the initial height.

[0023] The invention also relates to an electrical cabinet, comprising the protection unit and the control-command units, electrically connected to the power output of said at least one power switching device.

[0024] The invention will be better understood and other advantages thereof will appear more clearly in light of the following description of embodiments of the invention, the description being given solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawings presented below. [ FIG 1 ] There figure 1 is a schematic front view of an electrical cabinet according to a first embodiment of the invention. FIG 2 ] There figure 2 is a perspective view of a protection unit belonging to the cabinet of the figure 1 . [ FIG 3 ] There figure 3 is a perspective view of the protection unit of the figure 2 , from another angle. [ FIG 4 ] There figure 4 is a side view showing the interior of the protection unit of the preceding figures, in an operating configuration, with mechanical contacts in the conduction configuration and a slider in the prevention position. FIG 5 ] There Figure 5 shows a detail A and a detail B of the figure 4 . [ FIG 6 ] There figure 6 is a partial perspective view of a lock and slide in the configuration of figures 4 And 5 . [ FIG 7 ] There figure 7 shows detail A and detail B, where the protection unit is in an operating configuration, with the mechanical contacts in the isolation configuration and the slider in the enabling position. FIG 8 ] There figure 8 is a partial perspective view of the lock and slide in the configuration of the figure 7 . [ FIG 9 ] There figure 9 shows detail A and detail B, where the protection unit is in a lockout configuration, with the mechanical contacts in the isolation configuration, the slider in the retaining position and the latch in the lockout position. FIG 10 ] There figure 10is a partial perspective view of the lock and slide in the configuration of the figure 9 . [ FIG 11 ] There figure 11 is a partial perspective view of the lock. FIG 12 ] There figure 12 is a perspective view of a lock masking system. FIG 13 ] There figure 13 is a side view showing the interior of a protection unit according to a second embodiment of the invention, in an operating configuration, with the mechanical contacts in the conduction configuration and the slider in the prevention position. FIG 14 ] There figure 14 shows a detail A and a detail B of the figure 13 , while the protection unit is in an operating configuration, with the mechanical contacts in the isolation configuration and the slider in the enabling position. FIG 15 ] There figure 15shows detail A and detail B with the protection unit in an intermediate configuration, with the mechanical contacts in the isolating configuration, the slider in the retaining position, and the latch in a lockout orientation. FIG 16 ] There figure 16 shows detail A with the protection unit in a lockout configuration, with the mechanical contacts in the isolation configuration, the slider in the retaining position, and the latch in the lockout position. FIG 17 ] There figure 17 is a longitudinal section of a portion of the slide and lock in the configuration of the figure 16 .

[0025] An electrical cabinet 100 is shown on the figure 1. This electrical cabinet is intended to be integrated into a partially represented electrical network. This electrical network comprises on the one hand, upstream of the electrical cabinet 100, power cables 102 coming for example from a transformer station and on the other hand, downstream of the electrical cabinet, one or more electrical loads 104. The electrical cabinet 100 can be described as a connection cabinet, in that it aims to connect the electrical loads 104 to the power cables 102.

[0026] In the installed configuration of the electrical cabinet 100, the cabinet rests on a horizontal surface represented by a plane P1. In practice, the plane P1 is for example the floor of a building in which the electrical cabinet 100 is installed.

[0027] A direction X of the electrical cabinet 100 is defined as oriented along the largest dimension of the electrical cabinet 100, in practice its width. A direction Y is defined, oriented along the smallest dimension of the electrical cabinet 100 and perpendicular to the direction X, in practice its depth. A direction Z is defined, oriented perpendicular to the directions X and Y, the direction Z being oriented according to the height of the cabinet. The orientation of the directions X, Y and Z is fixedly linked to the orientation of the electrical cabinet 100.

[0028] In the installed configuration described here, a plane perpendicular to the Z direction is horizontal and parallel to the plane P1, while the Z direction is oriented upwards. The term “horizontal” used in the remainder of the description applies to any element contained in a plane perpendicular to the Z direction, in the installed configuration of the electrical cabinet 100. The terms “left” and “right” are understood to be in the X direction and the terms “front” and “rear” are understood to be in the Y direction.

[0029] The cabinet comprises a front face F1 or facade and a rear face F2, opposite and perpendicular to the Y direction, a lower face F3 and an upper face F4, opposite and perpendicular to the Z direction, as well as a left face F5 and a right face F6, opposite and perpendicular to the X direction. These faces F1 to F6 are generally flat and arranged in a parallelepiped. These faces F1 to F6 constitute an external envelope of the cabinet. Face F3 is arranged on the plane P1.

[0030] The power cables 102 deliver to the electrical cabinet 100 a main power supply, preferably of a voltage of 400V three-phase with neutral, preferably at a frequency of 50Hz. Alternatively, the power cable 102 delivers a three-phase current without neutral, or a single-phase current.

[0031] The electrical loads 104 are preferably electric motors, such as three-phase motors. For example, the electric motor may require a nominal electrical power between 5 and 100 kW. Alternatively, all or part of the electrical loads 104 may be other types of electrical machines or electricity distribution networks.

[0032] As visible at the figure 1 , the electrical cabinet 100 comprises a power supply column 106, at least one electrical distribution column 108 and at least one connection column 110. The power supply 106, distribution 108 and connection 110 columns are juxtaposed in the direction X.

[0033] In the example shown, the electrical cabinet 100 comprises an electrical distribution column 108 and two connection columns 110, arranged on either side of the electrical distribution column 108. In practice, a connection column 110 is always juxtaposed with an electrical distribution column 108. An electrical distribution column 108 is always juxtaposed with one or two connection columns 110.

[0034] The combination of an electrical distribution column 108 and one or two connection columns 110 forms a functional column. When a functional column comprises two connection columns 110, these two columns are located respectively on either side, namely to the left and to the right of the electrical distribution column 108. When a functional column comprises a single connection column 110, this column is located indifferently, on one side or the other, namely to the left or to the right of the electrical distribution column 108. In the example illustrated, the electrical cabinet 100 comprises a single functional column. Alternatively, the electrical cabinet comprises several functional columns, juxtaposed along the X direction.

[0035] The power supply column 106 makes it possible to supply the entire electrical cabinet 100 with electrical energy from the power supply cable 102. Preferably, the power supply column is arranged at a longitudinal end of the cabinet 100 in the direction X, as in the example shown, where the power supply column is to the left of the cabinet 100.

[0036] As visible at the figure 1 , in the power column 106, each phase and the neutral of the power cable 102 are connected to a respective input of a protection device 112, such as a circuit breaker, belonging to the power column 106.

[0037] In the example, the power column 106 also comprises a set of power bars 114, comprising several power bars 116, here vertical. Each output of the protection device 112 is respectively connected to one of the power bars 116. Thus, in the example where the electrical cabinet 100 is supplied with three-phase current with neutral, the set of bars 114 of the column 106 comprises four power bars 116, corresponding to the three phases and the neutral of the power supply current.

[0038] The power busbar 114 is connected to a power busbar 118. The busbar 118 comprises several power bars 120, oriented parallel to the X direction and arranged at the upper end of the cabinet 100. The bars 118 respectively extend the bars 114. The busbar 118 makes it possible to supply each electrical distribution column 108 of the cabinet 100.

[0039] Each electrical distribution column 108 comprises a set of power supply bars 122, with several power supply bars 124, which branch off respectively from the bars 120 of the set of bars 118 to supply the column 108. The bars 124 are here vertical and supply the or each connection column 110 adjacent to the electrical distribution column 108 concerned.

[0040] Depending on the electrical power to be delivered, the bars 116, 120 and 124 are made of electrically conductive material, for example copper, and have for example a cross-section of between 250 and 3000 mm 2< . It is expected that the power cables 102 are sized in the same way.

[0041] The device 112 and the bars 116, 120 and 124 constitute an electrical power supply for the cabinet 100. The protection device 112, electrically interposed between the bars 116 and the cables 102, therefore makes it possible to cut off the electrical power supply to the cabinet 100, in the event of an electrical fault and / or on command.

[0042] Each connection column 110 allows the electrical connection of one or more electrical loads 104 to the electrical cabinet 100 and allows the electrical loads 104 connected thereto to be controlled and / or monitored.

[0043] The electrical cabinet 100 is controlled by an industrial computer 130, preferably arranged outside the cabinet 100 and connected to the cabinet 100 by communication cables 132. This industrial computer makes it possible to control in particular the connection columns 110. Preferably, the industrial computer 130 comprises a calculation unit (not shown) which executes software for managing the electrical cabinet 100.

[0044] Alternatively, the industrial computer 130 is replaced by a real-time control and data acquisition system, called “SCADA”, which supervises the operation of the electrical cabinet 100, or the computer is integrated into such a system.

[0045] Each connecting column 110 comprises a communication module 134. For example, the communication module 134 is positioned near the upper end of the connecting column 110. The communication module 134 makes it possible to centralize all of the information coming from the connecting column 110 and to control the connecting column 110.

[0046] The communication module 134 communicates with the industrial computer 130 via the communication cables 132, on the one hand to transmit information on the operation of the connection column 110 and on the other hand to receive the commands coming from the industrial computer 130 and to be transmitted to the connection column 110. The communication module 134 of a connection column 110 therefore acts as an intermediary between the industrial computer 130 and this connection column 110 and makes it possible to centralize the exchanges between the computer 130 and the column 110.

[0047] Each communication module in practice comprises a controlled network switch, called a “managed switch”. When the electrical cabinet 100 comprises several connection columns 110, as in the example of the figure 1, the communication modules 134 of each connection column are connected to each other by internal communication cables 136. In practice, it is the managed switches of the communication modules which are connected to each other by the internal communication cables 136. Preferably, the managed switches of the communication modules 134 are all connected to a central switch 137 by the internal communication cables 136, the central switch 137 preferably being arranged in the power supply column 106. This central switch 137 acts as an intermediary between the communication modules 134 and the industrial computer 130, that is to say that the information coming from the industrial computer 130, for example commands, is distributed between the communication modules by the central switch 137 and that the information coming from the communication modules 134 is aggregated by the central switch before being transmitted to the industrial computer.Thus, each managed switch is connected to the industrial computer 130, independently of the other managed switches.

[0048] Alternatively, when the electrical cabinet 100 comprises several connection columns 110, the managed switch of each communication module 134 is directly connected to the industrial computer, without passing through a switch of the switch type 137.

[0049] For example, the internal communication cables 136 are cables using the Ethernet protocol. Alternatively, the internal communication cables 136 use another local network protocol, such as the MODBUS or PROFINET protocol.

[0050] As visible on the figure 1, to allow the connection of the electrical loads 104, each connection column 110 one or more control-command modules 200. Each control-command module 200 comprises a protection unit 140 and one or more control-command units 138. Each electrical load 104 is electrically connected to one of the units 138. Preferably, one face of each communication module 134, of each control-command unit 138 and of each protection unit 140 is accessible from the outside via the front face F1.

[0051] In the example shown, a connection column 110 comprises up to five modules 200, each module comprising a single unit 140 and up to six units 138. There are therefore up to five protection units 140 and up to thirty control-command units 138 per column 110. However, a different maximum number of units can be provided for each column 110. The connection column 110 is advantageously modular, that is to say that it is possible to install as many modules 200 as desired and, within each module 200, as many units 138 as desired. The modules 200 are juxtaposed along the Z direction, under the communication module 134. The protection units 140 are juxtaposed along the Z direction in the connection column 110. Being adjacent to the units 140 along the X direction, the units 138 are juxtaposed along the Z direction in the connection column 110.Along the X direction, the units 140 are arranged between the units 138 and the distribution column 108.

[0052] Preferably, one face of each communication module 134, of each control-command unit 138 and of each protection unit 140 is accessible from the outside via the front face F1.

[0053] In the example shown, the protection units 140 are protection drawers which can therefore be installed in, and removed from, the connection column 110 simply and quickly. Alternatively, the units 140 are fixed units of the cabinet 100, which are assembled during installation of the cabinet, for example by screwing into the column(s) 110.

[0054] Each protection unit 140 is configured to electrically connect one or more units 138 to the power supply, so that these units 138 provide power to these loads 104, originating from this power supply. In other words, each unit 138 is connected to the power supply via a single protection unit 140. The protection unit 140 distributes the power supply to one or more units 138. Each protection unit 140 is also configured to electrically protect the unit(s) 138 that it connects to the power supply, by isolating the units 138 from the power supply when necessary.

[0055] Being adjacent to the column 108, each protection unit 140 is electrically connected to the power electrical supply by the busbar 122, which distributes the power electrical supply to all the units 140 of this column 110. The protection units 140 electrically connect the control-command units 138 of the same column 110 from said busbar 122, providing the power electrical supply.

[0056] In the example shown, the control-command units 138 are control-command drawers which can therefore be installed in, and removed from, the connection column 110 simply and quickly. Alternatively, the control-command units 138 are fixed units of the cabinet, which are assembled during installation of the cabinet, for example by screwing into the column(s) 110.

[0057] Preferably, each control unit 138 is connected to a single respective electrical load 104. However, it could be provided that each unit 138 is connected to several loads 104.

[0058] By connecting the load 104, the control-command unit 138 provides a power supply to the load 104, which is derived from the power supply provided by the unit 140 to the unit 138.

[0059] The control-command units 138 have the function of controlling electrical loads 104 which are connected thereto. This control comprises, for example, when the electrical load is a motor, controlling this motor, that is to say starting it, stopping it and possibly controlling its speed and / or its torque. According to another example, when the electrical load is a distribution network, the control comprises delivering the voltage and current necessary for the proper functioning of this distribution network.

[0060] In addition, the control-command units 138 also allow control, that is to say monitoring of the electrical loads 104 which are connected thereto. This control consists for example in measuring electrical quantities relating to the electrical power supplied to the load 104, for example relating to the current intensity, the voltage and / or the frequency, or even in recovering information coming from sensors equipping the loads 104, or placed near the loads 104, such as for example position, rotation speed and temperature sensors, or even sensors for measuring electrical quantities, such as a voltage, an intensity or a frequency, received by the loads 104. The information on the load 104 resulting from the control advantageously allows the unit 138 to carry out control of the load 104, that is to say a command taking into account the control.

[0061] Thus, each control-command unit 138 may have a role of connecting an electrical load 104, of controlling this load and of monitoring this load. However, depending on the type of electrical load 104 connected to the control-command unit 138, this unit 138 may not have a role of controlling this load, or may not have a role of monitoring the load.

[0062] The electrical loads 104 being distant from the cabinet 100, their connection to the control-command units 138 is carried out by means of connection cables 139.

[0063] In the preferred case where the load 104 is an electric motor, the unit 138 advantageously comprises, to control and monitor the electric load 104, at least one contactor, a thermal protection relay, operating sensors of the unit 138, and electronic components configured to collect signals from operating sensors of the electric load 104, arranged on, or near, the electric load 104, such as for example temperature probes or speed sensors.

[0064] The thermal protection relay is for example an electromechanical bimetal relay or an electronic relay, the role of which is to protect the load 104 supplied by the unit 138 from possible overloads which may occur in particular during start-up, if the load 104 is an electric motor. The sensors are for example voltage sensors, measuring the voltage of the electrical supply emanating from the protection unit 140.

[0065] To carry out the control of the load 104, the control-command unit 138 advantageously incorporates power converters, frequency variators, and / or other components for converting the electrical power supplied by the unit 140 into a transformed electrical power supply, to supply power to and control the load 104.

[0066] As visible at the figure 1 , each connection column 110 advantageously comprises a computer bus 142. For each column 110, the bus 142 connects the communication module 134 to all of the modules 200, in particular to the units 138 and 140. Each protection unit 140 and each control-command unit 138 is therefore connected to the communication module 134 equipping the column 110.

[0067] The computer bus 142 is for example in the form of a housing comprising an electronic card, that is to say a printed circuit, of elongated shape, arranged vertically in the connection column 110. This electronic card comprises electronic circuits, or tracks, allowing communication, that is to say the exchange of data, in the column 110, for example according to the Ethernet protocol, between the managed switch of the communication module 134 and the units 138 and 140. Thanks to the computer bus 142, the communication module 134 commands and controls each protection unit 140 and each control-command unit 138 of the column 110.

[0068] The computer bus 142 also provides an auxiliary power supply to the units 138 of the column 110, for example by comprising power supply tracks. The auxiliary power supply is advantageously provided by the communication module 134, which comprises for example a power supply unit or several redundant power supply units. To provide this auxiliary power supply, provision is made for example for the cabinet 100 to be supplied by an external source of auxiliary power supply. Alternatively, provision may be made for the cabinet 100 to have electrical conversion means, arranged for example in the column 106, to derive the auxiliary power supply from the power supply, for example downstream of the device 112. The auxiliary power supply is for example a direct electrical voltage of 48V.Alternatively, the auxiliary voltage has a different value, for example 12V, 24V, 110V DC or 110V AC. Alternatively, the auxiliary power supply forms a multiple power supply, delivering several different voltages intended for different systems equipping the units 138 and 140.

[0069] Alternatively, the computer bus 142 could be in the form of a wire harness to provide communication and auxiliary power.

[0070] The unit 138 advantageously comprises an electronic control unit, for example in the form of an electronic control card. The electronic control card is connected to the communication module 134 of the column 110 via the bus 142. The electronic control card makes it possible to control and monitor the functional elements of the unit 138, namely the contactor(s), the thermal protection relay, the operating sensors, and the electronic components and / or converters. The electronic card groups together the information from the operating sensors and the information from the electronic components configured to collect signals from the operating sensors of the electrical load 104, before analyzing them and transmitting them to the communication module 134.Based on this analysis of the information from the drawer and electrical load operating sensors, the electronic card can adapt its control of the functional elements, for example by ordering the contactor to interrupt the power supply to the electrical load when an operating sensor reports a malfunction of the electrical load.

[0071] Thus, thanks to the functional elements and the electronic card, each unit 138 supplies, controls and monitors the electrical load 104. Each unit 138 therefore simultaneously has a role of supplying, controlling and monitoring the electrical load 104. The electronic card and the functional elements of the unit 138 are supplied by the auxiliary electrical power supply for their operation.

[0072] One of the 140 protection units is shown in more detail in figures 2 to 12 .

[0073] The protection unit 140 comprises a housing 1. A main axis Y1 is defined, parallel to the Y direction and fixed relative to the housing 1. The unit 140 is fixed to the cabinet by means of its housing 1. The control units 138 and the loads 104 are arranged outside the housing 1.

[0074] For example, the housing 1 forms a front face 11 or facade and a rear face 12, opposite and perpendicular to the Y direction and crossed by the Y1 axis. The housing 1 also forms an inner face 13 and an outer face 14, opposite and parallel to the Z axis. The faces 13 and 14 connect the faces 11 and 12 to each other. The housing 1 finally forms an upper face and a lower face, opposite and parallel to the X direction, connecting the faces 11 and 12 to each other parallel to the Y direction, and connecting the faces 13 and 14 to each other, parallel to the X direction. In the assembled configuration of the unit 140, the front face 11 is coplanar with the face F1 of the cabinet 100.

[0075] The electrical connection of the protection unit 140 and the electrical power supply is made via the busbar 122. For this, while the busbar 122 extends along the outer face 14, the unit 140 comprises, for example, electrical connectors 15, arranged on the outer face 14, as shown in the figure 3 . Each connector 15 is connected to one of the bars 124, to receive a phase or the neutral. For example, the protection unit 140 comprises four electrical connectors 15, to connect the three phases and the neutral carried respectively by the four bars 124.

[0076] To electrically connect the units 138 to the unit 140, so that the unit 140 delivers the power supply to the units 138, the protection unit 140 advantageously comprises output electrical connectors 16. Each connector 16 connects to a single unit 138. While the units 138 are arranged along the inner face 13, these connectors 16 are advantageously arranged on the inner face 13, along the rear face 12, facing towards the front face 11, as shown in the figure 2 The connectors 16 are distributed along the Z direction. Here, the protection unit 140 comprises six connectors 16, for the connection of six respective units 138. Each connector 16 advantageously forms four electrical outputs, respectively delivering the three phases and the neutral of the power supply.

[0077] Preferably, as visible on the figure 2, the face 13 of the housing 1 forms rails 19, here six rails 19, parallel to the direction Y, and distributed along the direction Z. Each rail 19 is at the height of one of the connectors 16, along the direction Z. Each rail 19 is designed to receive one of the control-command units 138, when it is in the form of a drawer, the control-command unit 138 being designed to be threaded along the direction Y into the rail 19. In doing so, for example, a plug-in connector of the unit 138 plugs into the connector 16 arranged at the end of this rail 19, which electrically connects the unit 138 to the power supply provided by the protection unit 140.

[0078] Preferably, the neutral connector 15 is electrically connected to a respective neutral electrical output of all the connectors 16, by a neutral conduction path arranged inside the housing 1, not shown.

[0079] As shown on the figure 4 , for each phase connector 15, the protection unit 140 a respective power switching device 20. Here, the protection unit 140 therefore comprises three devices 20, as shown in the figure 4 . Each device 20 connects one of the connectors 15 to a respective phase electrical output of all the connectors 16. Thus, for each connector 16, the three phase electrical outputs are respectively connected to one of the phase connectors 15 via one of the devices 20.

[0080] The devices 20 are arranged inside, here being distributed parallel to the direction Z, along the face 12 of the housing 1. Alternatively, depending on the number of phases to be protected, a number of devices 20 other than three can be provided. At a minimum, only one device 20 is provided.

[0081] The devices 20 provide the protection function of the protection unit 140. For this purpose, each device 20 is configured to selectively connect or electrically isolate the connector 15 to the corresponding outputs of the connectors 16.

[0082] Each device 20 comprises a power input 21, electrically connected to the connector 15. Thus, the power input 21 is connected to the power supply provided by one of the bars 124, via the connector 15, when the unit 140 is installed in the cabinet 100. On the figure 4 , the electrical connection between connector 15 and input 21 is not shown, for the sake of simplification of the drawing. For example, input 21 is connected to connector 15 of a flexible conductor and / or a conduction bar.

[0083] Each device 20 also includes a power output 22, which is electrically connected to each connector 16, to supply power to one of the outputs of each of the connectors 16. Thus, each power output 22 is electrically connected to the control-command units 138 via the connectors 16. On the figure 4 , the electrical connection between the output 22 and the connectors 16 is not shown for the sake of simplification of the layout. It is advantageous to provide that the electrical connection is made using wiring and / or conduction bars.

[0084] Each device 20 includes a mechanical power switch 23. The mechanical switch 23 moves between a conduction configuration, shown in the figures 4 And 5 , where switch 23 electrically connects input 21 to output 22, and an isolation configuration, shown in the figures 7 And 9, where switch 23 electrically isolates input 21 from output 22, to electrically protect units 138 and loads 104.

[0085] Preferably, the switch 23 is designed to provide a disconnector function, aimed at separating the power supply of the units 138 with a low breaking capacity. Preferably, for each device 20, another power switch 24 is provided in addition to the switch 23, to provide the protection function. The switch 24 may be mechanical or electronic, to provide a circuit breaker function ensuring rapid isolation with a higher breaking capacity, in particular in the event of an electrical fault on the loads 104 and / or on the units 138. In the example, each switch 24 is electrically interposed between the power output 22 of one of the devices 20 and the connectors 16 that this output 22 serves. In the example, each switch 24 is electronic, the breaking being carried out using semiconductor components such as breaking transistors or thyristors.

[0086] Alternatively, the mechanical switch 23 is designed to have the circuit breaker function without providing a disconnector function, or is designed to perform both functions at the same time.

[0087] In the example, each mechanical switch 23 comprises a movable contact 25 and a fixed contact 26. The movable contact 25 is here a tilting contact. The contact 25 is movable relative to the housing 1, while the contact 26 remains fixed relative to the housing 1. In the conduction configuration, the movable contact 25 is positioned so as to be in electrical contact with the contact 26, to electrically connect the input 21 to the output 22. In the isolation configuration, the movable contact 25 is positioned at a distance from the contact 26 to electrically isolate the output 22 from the input 21. In the example, the mechanical switch 23 comprises a slider 27, which is slidable relative to the housing 1 parallel to the axis Y1. The slider 27 mechanically cooperates with the movable contact 25, so that the movable contact 25 is driven between the conduction position and the isolation position by sliding the slider 27.

[0088] Each device 20 comprises an electro-actuator 28, which is configured to actuate the mechanical switch 23 between the conduction configuration and the isolation configuration. The electro-actuator 28 is advantageously in the form of an electromagnetic actuator, which causes the moving contact 25 to move between the conduction and isolation positions, by driving the slider 27 to slide in the Y direction, to put the switch 23 in the conduction configuration, and in the opposite direction, to put the switch in the isolation configuration. Here, the electro-actuator 28 is arranged in the Y direction relative to the slider 27 which it actuates, so that the slider 27 projects out of the actuator 28 in the opposite direction to the Y direction.

[0089] To control the devices 20 and thus ensure the protection of the units 138 and the loads 104, the protection unit 140 comprises an electronic control unit 30, shown in the figure 4 The electronic control unit 30 is arranged inside the housing 1.

[0090] The electronic control unit 30 is here in the form of an electronic card, such as a printed circuit, carrying surface components and / or being connected to electronic components. The electronic card extends perpendicular to the X direction.

[0091] The electronic control unit 30 advantageously comprises communication modules 31, a communication module 32, an electronic analyzer 33 and / or a front interface 34.

[0092] The analyzer 33 is an electronic system, comprising for example a processor implementing a computer code stored on a memory, these elements being here formed by the surface components of the electronic card. Functionally, the analyzer is designed to control the devices 20, to control in particular the switches 23, as well as the switches 24 if they are provided.

[0093] To control the switches 23, the analyzer 33 controls the electro-actuators 28, thereby switching the switches 23 between the conduction configuration and the isolation configuration. For this purpose, the control unit 30 is connected, preferably by wire, to the electro-actuators 28, in order to send orders to the electro-actuators 28 and / or to supply them with electricity. Preferably, the control unit 30 is connected to the electro-actuators 28 and / or to sensors equipping the switches 23, in order to receive state feedback information, to detect in which configuration the switches 23 are. In other words, the electronic unit 30 also controls the sensors, and takes this control into account to carry out the control.

[0094] To control the switches 24, the analyzer performs electronic control of the switches 24, when said switches 24 are in the form of semiconductor components. For this purpose, the control unit 30 is connected, preferably by wire, to the switches 24, in order to send orders, power and / or possibly receive status feedback from the switches 24.

[0095] The communication modules 31, if provided, are preferably separate components connected to the electronic card of the electronic control unit 30. As shown in the figures 2 And 4, the face 13 of the housing 1 preferably comprises windows, in practice six windows, which open at the height of the rails 19, so that each communication module 31 can be connected to one of the control-command units 138. Each control-command unit 138 advantageously comprises lateral contacts for connecting the unit 138 to one of these communication modules 31. Each communication module 31 is advantageously in the form of a connector for receiving data from the unit 138 to which this module 31 is connected. The module 31 then transmits the data to the analyzer 33, which controls the devices 20 according to this data.The data received from the unit 138 via the module 31 preferably relate to measurements of electrical quantities concerning the electrical power supplied to the load 104 by the unit 138, for example concerning the current intensity, the voltage and / or the frequency, and / or relate to information coming from sensors equipping the loads 104, or placed close to the loads 104, such as for example position, rotation speed and temperature sensors, or sensors for measuring electrical quantities, such as a voltage, an intensity or a frequency, received by the loads 104. The data received by the module 31 advantageously relate to information similar to that processed by the unit 138 to carry out the control-command of the load 104. The unit 138 can also provide pre-processed data to the unit 140.In any case, the data received by the electronic control unit 30 via the modules 31 aims to detect and / or anticipate the possible presence of an electrical fault or a failure within the units 138 and / or the loads 104. When such a fault and / or failure is detected, the electronic control unit 30 commands the devices 20, using the analyzer 33, to isolate the units 138 from the power supply, by switching the switches 23 and / or 24 to the isolation configuration. In the present example, in the case where the switchover must be carried out under load, the electronic control unit 30 switches the switches 24 in order to perform the cut-off. If a separation must be carried out, the electronic control unit 30 switches the switches 23 to section.When the conditions are met and the fault is acknowledged, possibly with human intervention, the command 30 orders a switch of the devices 20 to conduction configuration.

[0096] The communication module 32, if provided, is advantageously a surface-mounted component of the electronic card of the electronic unit. The communication module 32 is connected to the communication module 134, advantageously via the computer bus 142, in order to exchange data with the communication module 134 of the column 110, ultimately with the industrial computer 130. The electronic unit 30 can therefore receive orders from the computer 130 and / or the module 134, to switch the devices 20 into the conduction and / or isolation configuration. In particular, when off-load, the computer 130 can order a sectioning: then the unit 30 orders a setting in isolation configuration of the mechanical switches 23, if they constitute sectioning switches. The electronic unit 30 can also transmit information concerning the status of the devices 20 to the computer 130, thanks to the communication module 32, the bus 142 and the module 134.

[0097] The front interface 34, if provided, is advantageously carried by the front face 11 of the protection unit 140, to be accessible by a technician from the face F1 of the cabinet 100.

[0098] Preferably, the front interface 34 comprises measurement connectors, for example in the form of banana plugs, configured to be connected to a measuring device, so that a technician can measure electrical quantities specific to the unit 140, in particular for a maintenance operation. Each measurement connector of the front interface 34 is electrically connected to one of the phases or to the neutral inside the housing 1, emanating from the power electrical supply. In particular, each measurement connector is connected downstream of one of the electrical connectors 15. If necessary, the measurement connector is connected upstream of the input 21 of the device 20 which is electrically connected to this electrical connector 15. Four measurement connectors are provided here, respectively for the three phases and the neutral.The measuring device connected to the measuring connectors can thus, for example, measure the voltage at the phases of the unit 140, or other electrical quantities, via the measuring connectors, whether the devices 20 are in conduction or isolation configuration.

[0099] Alternatively or in addition, the front interface 34 constitutes a human-machine interface, for example in the form of push buttons and / or a screen, so that the technician can control a conduction configuration and an isolation configuration of the devices 20. The front interface 34 advantageously forms a component separate from the electronic card of the electronic control unit 30, and which is connected thereto. The electronic control unit controls the devices 20 taking into account any orders received from the front interface 34.

[0100] For its operation, the electronic control unit 30 is supplied with electrical energy by the power supply.

[0101] For this purpose, the protection unit 140 comprises an auxiliary switching device 40, which is arranged in the housing 1, here in proximity to the face 11. The auxiliary switching device 40 is capable of evolving between a conduction configuration, so that the electronic unit 30 is electrically powered by the power supply, and an isolation configuration, so that the electronic unit 30 is electrically isolated from the power supply. The device 40 is here in the form of three switches 41, which evolve in a coordinated manner between a conduction configuration and an isolation configuration. In the conduction configuration, each switch 41 connects the electronic unit 30 to one of the phases of the power supply. In the isolation configuration, each switch 41 electrically isolates the electronic unit from this phase.

[0102] More precisely, to be thus electrically powered, each switch 41 has an auxiliary input 42, electrically connected to one of the connectors 15 inside the housing 1, upstream of the devices 20 also connected to this connector 15. In other words, within the housing 1, each connector 15 serves both one of the power switching devices 20 and one of the inputs 42 of the auxiliary switching device. In the conduction configuration, each switch 41 electrically connects its auxiliary input 42 to its auxiliary output 43. In the isolation configuration, each switch 41 electrically isolates its auxiliary input 42 from its auxiliary output 43. The auxiliary output 43 of each switch 41 is electrically connected to the unit 30.Preferably, the unit 30 incorporates a conversion means, such as comprising for example a transformer, so that the electronic unit 30 actually receives electrical energy with characteristics adapted to its operation, from the electrical power supply.

[0103] The auxiliary switching device 40 also comprises a mechanical control 44, for switching the device 40 between the conduction configuration and the isolation configuration. Here, the mechanical control 44 is in the form of a button, which is movable relative to the housing 1, perpendicular to the axis Y1, between a conduction position, shown in the figures 4 , 5 And 7 placing the device 40 in a conduction configuration, and an isolation position, shown in the figure 9, placing the device 40 in the isolation configuration. Advantageously, a single control 44 actuates the three switches 41 at a time, in a synchronized manner, between the conduction and isolation configuration. Preferably, the control 44 comprises a spring, which, by elasticity, exerts a return force on the button, tending to return the control 44 to the conduction position when it is in the isolation position. In other words, the device 40 has a monostable, normally closed configuration.

[0104] When the device 40 is in the conduction configuration, the electronic unit 30 is operational and can control the devices 20. When the device 40 is in the isolation configuration, the electronic unit 30 is deactivated, and is no longer able to control the devices 20. Then, it is advantageous to provide that the devices 20 retain the state that they had before deactivation of the unit 30. Alternatively, it is possible to provide that the devices 20 are monostable and automatically switch to the isolation configuration when the unit 30 is thus deactivated.

[0105] The unit 140 further includes a lockout system, which includes a lock 50 and, preferably, a slider 70. The lockout system transitions between a lockout configuration, shown in figures 9 to 11 , and an operating configuration, shown on the figures 4 to 8To change the lockout system between these two configurations, a technician manually operates lock 50, under certain conditions.

[0106] In the lockout configuration, the lock 50 is positioned so as to mechanically hold the switches 23 and the device 40 in the isolation configuration. Thus, placing the lockout configuration simultaneously locks the electronic control unit 30 and the devices 20. It is not possible to lock out the unit 30 without locking out the devices 20 and vice versa. In this lockout configuration, the units 138 and the loads 104 are electrically isolated from the power supply by the switches 23, in the isolation configuration. In this lockout configuration, the unit 30 is deactivated because it is isolated from the power supply by the device 40. Thus, it is not possible for the unit 30 to order the electro-actuators 28 to put the switches 23 in the conduction configuration.Additionally, optionally, deactivating the unit 30 also places the electronic switches 24 in an isolation configuration, since the electronic switches 24 need to receive electrical power from the unit 30 to be in the conduction configuration.

[0107] In the operating configuration, the lock 50 is positioned so as to allow the switches 23 to be moved between the isolation configuration and the conduction configuration, in particular on command from the electronic control unit 30, and allows the auxiliary switching device 40 to move between the conduction configuration and the isolation configuration. The auxiliary switching device 40 being preferably normally closed, it is automatically in the conduction configuration when it is not maintained in the isolation configuration by the lockout system, so that, in the operating configuration, the electronic control unit 30 is active to control the devices 20.

[0108] It is also provided that, when the switches 23 are in the conduction configuration, the lockout system is necessarily in the operating configuration. In this operating configuration, via the switches 23 in the conduction configuration, the electro-actuators 28 mechanically prevent the lockout system from being put into the lockout configuration, by mechanically preventing a movement of the lock 50. This prevents a technician from being able to put the lockout system into the lockout configuration by actuating the lock 50, while the power supply delivers electrical power to the units 138. On the other hand, in the isolation configuration, the electro-actuators 28, via the switches 23, mechanically allow the lock 50 to be moved so that the lockout system can switch to the lockout configuration.

[0109] A more detailed description of the structure of the consignment system is set out below, for the embodiment of the figures 4 to 12 .

[0110] The latch 50 interacts mechanically with the switches 23 via the slider 70. The slider 70 is entirely received inside the housing 1, being supported by the housing 1. The slider 70 is movable in sliding relative to the housing 1, along the axis Y1, preferably without rotation. The slider 70 is coupled to all the mechanical switches 23 of the unit 140. For this purpose, the slider 70 here comprises three actuating arms 71, each arm 71 being coupled to one of the sliders 27. More generally, as many arms 71 as there are sliders 27 are provided. For the embodiment of the figures 4 to 12, the slider 70 is integrally movable in translation along the axis Y1 relative to the housing 1 with the sliders 27. In other words, the slider 70 is capable of simultaneously driving all the switches 23, via their respective slider 27, between the conduction configuration and the isolation configuration. Conversely, the switches 23 are capable of driving the slider 27 when they switch between the isolation configuration and the actuation configuration, in particular under the action of the electro-actuators 28.

[0111] The slider 70 also advantageously comprises a main arm 72, by means of which the slider 70 is guided in sliding by the housing 1. The arm 72 is advantageously centered on the axis X71. One end of the arm 72 carries the arms 71, which are attached thereto in the manner of a trident. At the opposite end of the arm 72, the slider 70 cooperates mechanically with the lock 50. The arms 71 and 72 are advantageously arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction X, that is to say parallel to the axis Y1.

[0112] For the method of realization of the figures 4 to 12 , the slider 70 is movable between a position called the “prevention position”, shown in the figures 4 to 6 and a position called the “authorization position”, shown on the figures 7 And 8. The slider 70 slides between these prevention and authorization positions while the lockout system is in the operating configuration. In the prevention position, the slider 70 is positioned in the Y direction relative to its authorization position. For this embodiment, the retention position is distinct from the authorization and retention positions.

[0113] For the method of realization of the figures 4 to 12 , the authorization position is confused with a “retaining position” of the slide 70, shown in the figures 9 And 10 The hold position, here identical to the authorization position, is adopted when the lockout system is in lockout configuration.

[0114] For the method of realization of the figures 4 to 12, the slider 70 is put into the prevention position by the switches 23 via the sliders 27, under the action of the electro-actuators 28, when the switches 23 are in the conduction configuration, and into the authorization position, via the sliders 27, when the switches 23 are in the isolation configuration.

[0115] For the method of realization of the figures 4 to 12 , the lock 50 is carried by the housing 1, in particular by the front face 11. Here, the lock 50 is movable exclusively in rotation around the axis Y1, between a release position, which is therefore a release orientation, shown on the figures 4 to 8 , and a consignment position, which is therefore a consignment orientation, shown on the figures 9 to 11. In other words, the lock 50 is fixed in translation relative to the housing 1 along the axis Y1. The lockout position is adopted when the lockout system is in the operating configuration. The lockout position is adopted when the lockout system is in the lockout configuration. The lockout position and the lockout position are distinct. It is advantageously provided that, between these two positions, the lock 50 has made less than one complete turn around the axis Y1, here for example a quarter turn.

[0116] An outer portion 51 of the lock extends out of the housing 1, so that the lock can be actuated between the unlock position and the lockout position by the technician, in order to switch the lockout system between the operating configuration and the lockout configuration. An inner portion 52 of the lock extends inside the housing 1 to mechanically cooperate with the devices 20, preferably via the slider 70, and with the device 40, preferably directly.

[0117] THE figures 6 , 8 And 10 show in more detail how the internal part 52 of the lock 50 and the main arm 72 of the slider 70 cooperate mechanically.

[0118] In the example, the end of the arm 71 of the slide 70 is received inside the internal part 52 of the lock 50, coaxially with the axis X71. For this purpose, the part 52 forms a conduit, which is open in the direction Y, to accommodate the end of the arm 72.

[0119] The slider 70 and the lock 50 comprise axial stops, called "primary axial stops" and rotation stops. To form these stops, the slider 70 comprises, for example, one or more raised grooves while the lock 50 comprises, inside the conduit receiving the slider 70, one or more corresponding hollow grooves, and as many retaining shoulders. Here, two diametrically opposed raised grooves are provided, and two corresponding diametrically opposed hollow grooves. Two diametrically opposed retaining shoulders are also provided, which are arranged between the hollow grooves around the axis Y1, at a quarter turn. Around the axis Y1, each retaining shoulder connects the two hollow grooves together and each hollow groove connects the two retaining shoulders.

[0120] One of the raised grooves of the slide 70 is visible on the figures 6 , 8 And 10, and is formed at the end of the arm 72, parallel to the axis Y1, to be received inside the lock 50.

[0121] Each raised groove forms a primary axial stop 73, which is a surface perpendicular to the Y1 axis, facing in the direction of the Y direction.

[0122] Each raised groove forms two rotation stops 74, which are surfaces parallel or orthoradial to the Y1 axis, to prevent rotation. For the same raised groove, the stops 74 are rotated in opposite directions to each other.

[0123] Complementarily to the primary axial stop 73, each retaining shoulder forms a respective primary axial stop 53, forming a surface perpendicular to the axis Y1, facing in the opposite direction to the Y direction.

[0124] Complementarily to the rotation stops 74, each hollow groove forms two rotation stops 54, which are surfaces parallel or orthoradial to the Y1 axis, to prevent rotation. For the same hollow groove, the stops 54 face each other.

[0125] As shown on the figures 4 to 6, when the slide 70 is in the prevention position, which can only occur in the operating configuration, the raised and hollow grooves are received in each other, which allows the slide 70 to slide relative to the lock 50 and to the housing 1 along the axis Y1, while preventing the rotation of the lock 50 relative to the slide 70 and to the housing 1 around the axis Y1. Indeed, the grooves being received in each other, the rotation stops 54 face the rotation stops 74 and prevent the rotation of the lock 50 relative to the slide 70 around the axis Y1 by coming into anti-rotation abutment. In other words, the rotation stops 54 are at the same height as the stops 74 along the axis Y1 to prevent the lock 50 from being put in the lockout position.

[0126] As shown on the figures 7 to 10, when the lockout system is in the operating configuration with the slider 70 in the authorization position and when the lockout system is in the lockout configuration with the slider 70 in the retaining position, here identical to the lockout position, the raised grooves have crossed the hollow grooves, due to the sliding of the slider 70 in the opposite direction to the Y direction relative to the lock 50. Then, the rotation of the lock 50 is no longer prevented, because the rotation stops 54 and 74 are axially offset along the Y1 axis, that is to say are at a different height along the Y1 axis. In particular, the stops 54 are in the Y direction relative to the stops 74, the raised grooves of the slider 70 then being received in a radially widened part of the conduit of the lock 50, where they do not encounter any obstacle during the rotation of the lock 50.Then, with the grooves thus released, the slide 70 allows the lock 50 to pivot around the axis Y1 between the locking orientation and the unlocking orientation.

[0127] In operating configuration, as shown in the figures 4 to 8 , the axial stops 53 and 73 are arranged so as to be offset relative to each other around the axis Y1. In this case, the stops 73 are arranged a quarter turn around the axis Y1 relative to the stops 53, since the lock 50 is in the release orientation. In the case of figures 4 to 6 where the slider 70 is in the preventing position, the stops 53 and 73 are not at the same height along the axis Y1. In particular, the stops 73 are in the Y direction relative to the stops 53. In the case of figures 7 And 8, the stops 53 and 73 are at the same height parallel to the axis Y1, but are misaligned so as not to come into abutment when the slider 70 is driven towards the prevention position. Thanks to these arrangements concerning the stops 53 and 73, in the operating configuration, the slider 70 is allowed to slide between the prevention and authorization positions under the action of the electro-actuators 28, via the switches 23.

[0128] As shown on the figures 9 And 10, in the locking configuration, the primary axial stops 53 and 73 are arranged so as to face each other parallel to the axis Y1. As a result, the lock 50 retains the slide 70 in the retaining position, preventing the slide from sliding in the direction Y. Then, the devices 20 are unable to pull the slide 70 and switch to the conduction configuration. In practice, in this configuration, not only have the raised grooves of the slide 70 crossed the hollow grooves of the lock 50, but also the lock 50 has pivoted relative to the slide 70 so that the raised grooves are axially opposite the corresponding retaining shoulders. Then, the axial stops 73, formed by the raised grooves, come to bear in the Y direction against the axial stops 53, formed by the retaining shoulders, so that the lock 50 axially retains the slide 70.

[0129] For the method of realization of the figures 4 to 12 , the slider 70 can be returned to the prevention position directly by the devices 20 via the mechanical switches 23, while the slider 70 has been released from its retaining position by moving the lock 50 to the release position.

[0130] Alternatively, depending on the characteristics of the electro-actuators 28 and the switches 23 chosen, a spring, called a “slider spring”, can be provided which exerts an elastic force on the slide 70 parallel to the Y axis, bearing on the housing 1, tending to move the slide 70 towards the prevention position while the slide 70 is in the retaining position.

[0131] Advantageously, it is provided that the lock 50 mechanically actuates the device 40 without an intermediate part, as shown in figures 4 to 12. For this, the lock 50 advantageously comprises a ramp 56. The ramp 56 is in the form of a cam, which is radial relative to the axis Y1 and is here in relief. The ramp 56 is formed on the internal part 52 of the lock 50.

[0132] Whatever the orientation of the lock 50, the ramp 56 is arranged at the height of the control 44 along the Y1 axis. As shown in the figures 4 to 8 , the ramp 56 is turned away from the mechanical control 44, here by a quarter turn, when the lock 50 is in the unlocking orientation, so as not to actuate the control 44. In other words, the ramp 56 is released from the mechanical control 44 of the device 40 when the locking system is in the operating configuration. The control 44 then freely takes the position corresponding to the conduction configuration of the device 40, for example under the action of the internal spring of the device 40.

[0133] As shown on the figures 9And 10 , while the lock 50 is in the locking orientation, the ramp 56 is turned so as to press against the control 44, radially outwards, in particular against the action of the internal spring of the device 40 if one is provided. The control 44 being thus actuated by the ramp 56 of the lock 50, the device 40 is in the isolation configuration.

[0134] On the exterior of the housing 1, the outer portion 51 of the lock 50 includes a lockout hole 55 which, when not masked, is configured to receive one or more padlocks 61. More specifically, it is a respective locking shackle of each padlock which is received in the hole 55, as shown in the figure 11 .

[0135] The consignment system also includes a masking system, visible in particular on the figures 11 And 12 , here comprising a flap 62, a finger 64 and a locking orifice 65.

[0136] The flap 62 is mounted on the external portion 51 of the lock 50, being movable relative to the external portion 51, between a masking position where the flap 62 masks the lockout hole 55, as shown in the figures 5 , 7 And 9 , to prevent the lockout hole 55 from receiving the padlocks 61, and a release position, as shown in the figure 11 , where the flap 62 releases the lockout hole 55 so that the hole 55 can receive the padlocks 61. To be thus mobile, the flap 62 is for example pivotable relative to the lock 50 around an axis R62 fixed relative to the lock 50, the axis R62 being radial or perpendicular relative to the axis Y1. When the lock is in the lockout position, the technician can operate the flap 62 using a manual control, here a button 63.

[0137] When the padlocks 61 are received in the orifice 55 with the flap 62 in the release position, the padlocks 61 prevent the flap 62 from being put in the masking position, by mechanical cooperation between the padlocks 61 and the flap 62. For example, the padlocks pass through an orifice 66 belonging to the flap 62, which is diametrical with respect to the axis R62 and which is aligned with the orifice 55 when the flap 62 is in the release position. In the masking position, the orifice 66 is itself masked inside the external part 51 of the lock 50. The orifice 66 is better visible on the figure 12 , where the masking system is represented alone.

[0138] The finger 64 is mounted within the lock 50, and is movable in a secured manner with the flap 62. When the flap 62 is in the release position, the finger 64 is in a locking position, where the finger 64 projects in the direction Y. When the flap 62 is in the masking position, the finger 64 is retracted in the opposite direction to the direction Y. To be thus moved by the flap 62, it is provided for example that one of the ends of the finger 64 is linked to the flap 62 by a pivot connection, around an axis parallel and not coincident with the axis R62, in the manner of a crank, and that the other end of the finger 64 is guided in sliding at its opposite end by a guide formed inside the lock 50, parallel to the axis Y1.

[0139] The locking hole 65 is for example provided in the front face 11 of the housing 1. On the figures 5 , 7 , 9 And 12, the orifice 65 is represented by transparency in broken lines. The orifice 65 opens onto the outside of the housing 1, being positioned at a distance from the axis Y1. Here the axis Y1 is located in the X direction relative to the orifice 65.

[0140] When the lock 50 is in the locking position, the lock 50 is positioned so that the end of the finger 64 is aligned with the hole 65. Then, the finger 64 is allowed to be moved between the unlocking position and the locking position, by actuating the flap 62 respectively between the masking position and the release position.

[0141] In the locking position, the finger 64 is received in the hole 65, so that the finger 64 locks the orientation of the lock 50, keeping it in the locking orientation. By inserting the padlocks 61 into the hole 55 of the lock 50 locking the flap 62 in the release position, the flap 62 locks the finger 64 in the locking position in the hole 65, which locks the lock 50 in the locking position.

[0142] When the lock 50 is in the unlocking position, the finger 64 is no longer opposite the orifice 65. Then the finger 64 is prevented from being in the locking position by the front face 11, and is therefore necessarily in the unlocking position. Thus positioned, the finger 64 keeps the flap 62 in the masking position. Thus, in the unlocking position, the flap 62 cannot be put in the release position and the padlocks 61 cannot be received in the orifice 55.

[0143] To place the lock 50 in the unlocking position, the padlocks 61 must first be removed from the orifice 65, which allows the flap 62 to be moved to the release position. With the flap 62 in the release position, the finger 64 is in the unlocking position. When the finger 64 is in the unlocking position, it is disengaged from the orifice 65, so that the masking system no longer opposes the pivoting of the lock 50 between the locking and unlocking positions.

[0144] Ultimately, the masking system is configured so that when the padlocks 61 are received, the lock 50 cannot be put into the unlocking position and so that when the padlocks 61 are removed, the technician can put the lock into the unlocking position by actuating the masking system, in this case the flap 62. Then, the padlocks 61 can only be put back into place on the lock 50 if the lock 50 is again positioned in the locking position and the masking system is put in the release position. This locks the lock 50 again in the locking position.

[0145] THE figures 13 to 17 show another embodiment, where only the logging system is modified compared to the embodiment of figures 4 to 12 . Except for the differences mentioned below, all the characteristics mentioned above for the embodiment of the figures 4 to 12are valid for the method of realization of the figures 13 to 17 even if they are not repeated. Characteristics fulfilling the same functions or being of the same nature in the embodiment of the figures 13 to 17 , in relation to the method of realization of the figures 4 to 12 , are designated with the same reference signs increased by 200.

[0146] Unit 140 of the embodiment of the figures 13 to 17 , comprises a lock 250 and, preferably, a slider 270, forming the lockout system. The lockout system of the figures 13 to 17 evolves between the consignment configuration, shown on the figures 16 And 17 , and the operating configuration, shown on the figures 13 And 14 . The consignment system also adopts an intermediate configuration shown in the figure 15, which is intermediate between the operating and lockout configurations. To switch the lockout system between these configurations, a technician manually operates the lock 250, under certain conditions.

[0147] In the lockout configuration, the lock 250 is positioned so as to mechanically hold the switches 23 and the device 40 in the isolation configuration. Thus, placing the electronic control unit 30 and the devices 20 in the lockout configuration simultaneously locks out the unit 30 without locking out the devices 20 and vice versa. In this lockout configuration, the units 138 and the loads 104 are electrically isolated from the power supply by the switches 23, in the isolation configuration. In this lockout configuration, the unit 30 is deactivated because it is isolated from the power supply received at the connectors 15 by the device 40. Thus, it is not possible for the unit 30 to order the electro-actuators 28 to place the switches 23 in the conduction configuration.Additionally, optionally, deactivating the unit 30 also places the electronic switches 24 in an isolation configuration, as the electronic switches 24 require receiving electrical power from the unit 30 to be in a conduction configuration.

[0148] In the operating configuration, the lock 250 is positioned so as to allow the switches 23 to be moved between the isolation configuration and the conduction configuration, in particular on command from the electronic control unit 30, and allows the auxiliary switching device 40 to move between the conduction configuration and the isolation configuration. The auxiliary switching device 40 being preferably normally closed, it is automatically in the conduction configuration when it is not maintained in the isolation configuration by the lockout system, so that, in the operating configuration, the electronic control unit 30 is active to control the devices 20.

[0149] It is also provided that, when the switches 23 are in the conduction configuration, the lockout system is necessarily in the operating configuration. In this operating configuration, when the switches 23 are in the conduction configuration, the switches 23 mechanically prevent the lockout system from being put into the lockout configuration, by retracting the lock 250 inside the housing 1. This prevents a technician from being able to put the lockout system into the lockout configuration by actuating the lock 250, while the power supply delivers electrical power to the units 138. On the other hand, in the isolation configuration, the switches 23 mechanically allow the lock 250 to be moved so that the lockout system can switch to the lockout configuration.

[0150] A more detailed description of the structure of the consignment system is set out below, for the method of implementing the figures 13 to 17 .

[0151] The latch 250 interacts mechanically with the switches 23 via the slider 270. The slider 70 is entirely received inside the housing 1, being supported by the housing 1. The slider 270 is slidably movable relative to the housing 1, along the axis Y1, preferably without rotation. The slider 270 is coupled to all the mechanical switches 23 of the unit 140, with arms 71, identical to the arms 71 of the slider 70.

[0152] The slider 270 also advantageously comprises a main arm 272, different from the main arm 72. The slider 270 is guided in sliding by the housing 1 via the arm 272. The arm 272 is advantageously centered on the axis X71. One end of the arm 272 carries the arms 71, which are attached thereto in the manner of a trident. At the opposite end of the arm 272, the slider 270 cooperates mechanically with the lock 250. The arms 71 and 272 are advantageously arranged in a plane perpendicular to the direction X, that is to say parallel to the axis Y1.

[0153] In the direction of the Y direction, the slider 270 is movable successively between a preventing position, shown in the figure 13 , an authorization position, shown on the figure 14 and a restraint position, shown on the figures 15 And 16. These three positions are advantageously all distinct. The slider 270 slides between the prevention and authorization positions while the lockout system is in the operating configuration. The retaining position is adopted when the lockout system is in the retaining configuration and, preferably, in the intermediate configuration.

[0154] In the operating configuration, the slider 270 is placed in the prevention position by the switches 23 via the sliders 27, under the action of the electro-actuators 28, when the switches 23 are in the conduction configuration, and in the authorization position, via the sliders 27, when the switches 23 are in the isolation configuration.

[0155] Preferably, the locking system comprises a spring 277, called a “slider spring”. The spring 277 exerts an elastic force on the slide 270, by bearing on the housing 1, tending to move the slide 270 towards the prevention position, when the slide 270 is in the retaining position or in the prevention position.

[0156] For the method of realization of the figures 13 to 17 , the lock 250 is carried by the slide 270, namely by the arm 272, rather than by the housing 1, being arranged near and / or through the front face 11. The lock 250 comprises an internal part 252, by means of which the lock 250 cooperates with the arm 272.

[0157] By cooperation of the arm 272 with the internal part 252, depending on the position of the lock 250 relative to the slide 270, the lock 250 is allowed either to slide along the axis Y1 relative to the slide 270, or to pivot relative to the slide 270 around the axis Y1, as follows.

[0158] The lock 250 is movable in sliding relative to the slide 270 along the axis Y1, between an initial height, shown in the figures 13 And 14 , adopted in operating configuration, and a consignment height, shown on the figures 15 And 16 , adopted in intermediate configuration and in consignment configuration. When the lock 250 slides relative to the slide 270 and / or when the slide 270 slides relative to the housing 1, the lock 250 is translated relative to the housing 1 along the axis Y1.

[0159] When the lock 250 is at the initial height relative to the slider 270, the lock 250 is fixed in rotation about the axis Y1 relative to the slider 270, in a de-designation orientation. The de-designation orientation is shown in the figures 13 to 15 .

[0160] When the lock 250 is at the lockout height relative to the slider 270, the lock 250 is pivoted between the lockout orientation, as shown in figure 15 , and the consignment orientation, shown on the figure 16 . When the lock 250 is in both the lockout orientation and the lockout height, the lock 250 is in the lockout position. Advantageously, it is provided that, between the lockout orientation and the lockout orientation, the lock 250 has made less than one complete turn around the Y1 axis, here for example a quarter turn.

[0161] Preferably, when the lock 250 is in the lockout position, i.e. at the lockout height and in the lockout orientation, the lock 250 is fixed in translation relative to the slide 270 along the axis Y1. Ultimately, the lock 250 can only slide relative to the slide 270 in the lockout orientation, and can only pivot relative to the slide 270 when positioned at the lockout height.

[0162] When the lock 250 is positioned at the locking height, the lock 250 comes into axial abutment against the slide in the opposite direction to the Y direction. Therefore, when the lock 250 is slid in the opposite direction to the Y direction and the locking height is reached, the lock 250 drives the slide 270 in the opposite direction to the Y direction, by axial abutment.

[0163] When the lock 250 is positioned at the initial height, the lock 250 comes into axial abutment against the slide 270 in the Y direction.

[0164] As shown in particular on the figure 17 , to guide the sliding and pivoting of the lock 250 relative to the slide 270, it is provided for example that the arm 272 has a male tubular shape coaxial with the axis Y1, which is received inside a cavity of complementary shape, formed by the internal part 252. The male tubular shape of the arm 272 is guided in sliding along the axis Y1 and in pivoting around the axis Y1 by the cavity of the internal part 252.

[0165] As shown on the figure 17, to prevent the lock 250 from sliding relative to the slide 270, while allowing the lock 250 to pivot relative to the slide 270, when the lock 250 is at the locking height and in the locking orientation, the internal part 252 of the lock 250 advantageously comprises an internal radial finger 253, which circulates in a peripheral groove 273 formed by the arm 272 of the slide 270. To prevent the lock 250 from pivoting relative to the slide 270, while allowing the lock 250 to slide relative to the slide 270, when the lock 250 is in the unlocking orientation and at the initial height, the internal radial finger 253, which circulates in an axial groove 274 formed by the arm 272 of the slide 270. The axial groove 274 is visible on the figures 15 And 16. The groove 274 extends in the Y direction starting from one end of the groove 273, so that the groove 274 and the groove 273 are arranged in an "L" shape.

[0166] The groove 274 and the internal radial finger 253 constitute rotation stops, which are arranged so as to be at the same height along the main axis Y1, when the lockout system is in the operating configuration with the slider in the prevention position or in the authorization position, so that the slider 270 maintains the lock 250 in the lockout orientation by abutting the rotation stops about the axis Y1. The rotation stops 253 and 274 are at different heights along the axis Y1, when the lockout system is in the lockout configuration and in the intermediate configuration, so that the slider 270 allows the lock 250 to be pivoted between the lockout orientation and the lockout orientation.

[0167] The locking system advantageously comprises a spring 278, called a “lock spring”, which is for example housed between the lock 250 and the slider 270, coaxially with the axis Y1, inside the cavity formed by the internal part 252 of the lock 250.

[0168] The spring 278 exerts an elastic force on the lock 250, bearing on the slide 270, tending to move the lock 250 towards the initial height, when the lock 250 is at the locking height. In other words, the spring 278 pulls the lock 250 in the Y direction, bearing on the slide 270. For example, as shown in the figure 17, the spring 278 is a compression spring which bears in the direction Y on the lock 250, for example on the finger 253, and which bears in the opposite direction on the slide 270, for example on an axial wall 279 at the end of the arm 272. In the operating configuration, the switches 23 cause a fixed sliding along the axis Y1 of an assembly constituted by the 250 and the slide 270, by driving the slide 270, between the prevention position, when the switches 23 are in the conduction configuration, and the authorization position, when the switches 23 are in the isolation configuration. During this sliding, the spring 278 maintains the lock 250 at the initial height, relative to the slide 270.

[0169] For the method of realization of the figures 13 to 17, the lock 250 comprises an external radial lug 259, which is carried by the internal part 252. The housing 1 comprises a lug 218, which is formed inside the housing 1 near the internal part 252 and which is configured to mechanically cooperate with the external radial lug 259. When the lock 250 is in the release orientation, the lug 259 is offset relative to the lug 218 around the axis Y1, so as not to be able to come into axial abutment against the lug 218, and thus allow the translation of the lock 250 relative to the housing 1 along the axis Y1. As shown in the figure 16, when the lock 250 is in the lockout position, that is to say both in the lockout orientation and at the lockout height, the lug 259 is axially aligned with the lug 218, so that the lug 259 abuts against the lug 218 in the Y direction. Thus, in the lockout position, the housing 1 retains the lock 250 at the lockout height. To modify the height of the lock 250 along the Y1 axis, it is therefore necessary to first pivot the lock 250 to the unlocking orientation so that the lugs 218 and 259 are disengaged from each other. In this sense, the lugs 218 and 259 constitute axial stops, called “secondary axial stops”.These secondary axial stops 218 and 259 are arranged so as to face each other parallel to the axis Y1, when the lock 250 is in the locking position, so that, in the locking configuration, the housing 1 retains the lock 250 in the retaining position by axially abutting the secondary stops 218 and 259 thus aligned. When the lock 250 is in the unlocking orientation, whatever its height relative to the housing 1, the secondary stops 218 and 259 are offset relative to each other around the axis Y1. Thus, in the operating configuration and in the intermediate configuration, the stops 218 and 259 cannot come into axial abutment against each other, which means that the housing 1 allows the lock 250 to be moved between the locking height and the initial height.

[0170] For the method of realization of the figures 13 to 17, groove 273 and internal radial finger 253 constitute the primary axial stops for slider 270 and latch 250. As shown in the figures 16 And 17 , these stops 253 and 273 are opposite each other parallel to the axis Y1 when the lock 250 is in the lockout position, that is to say in the lockout orientation and lockout height. Thus, in the lockout configuration, the lock 250, itself retained by the housing 1 via the secondary axial stops 218 and 259, retains the slide 270 in the retaining position by abutting the primary axial stops thus opposite each other. Then, the slide 270 maintains the switches 23 in the isolation configuration. Indeed, we have seen that, for the lockout position, the groove 273 axially captures the internal radial finger 253 to block the sliding of the lock 250 relative to the slide 270.

[0171] To retain the switches 23 in the isolation configuration when the slide 270 is held in the retaining position by the lock 250, it is provided that each slide 27 comes into axial abutment in the direction Y against the arm 71 of the slide 270 to which this slide 27 is coupled, as shown for example in the figures 15 for the intermediate configuration. In the operating configuration, each arm 71 of the slider 270 is held in abutment in the Y direction against the sliders 27 so that the slider 270 follows the sliding of the sliders 27 and is moved to the enabling position when the switches 23 are in the isolation configuration and to the preventing position when the switches 23 are in the conduction configuration.

[0172] In the situation of the figures 13 to 15, that is to say when the lock 250 is in the lockout orientation, the primary axial stops 253 and 273 are offset relative to each other around the axis Y1. In this situation, the lock 250 is also not retained at the lockout height by the housing 1, since the secondary axial stops 218 and 259 are offset around the axis Y1. Then, if the lock 250 is not retained at the lockout height by other means, in particular by a technician or a padlock, the lock 250 authorizes the slide 270 to be moved between the prevention position and the authorization position. As a result, the primary and secondary stops authorize the slide 270 to be moved between the prevention position and the authorization position, in the operating configuration and in the intermediate configuration.Then, the lock 250 is brought back and held in abutment against the slide 270 in the direction Y, at the locking height, and is moved integrally with the slide 270 along the axis Y1. In the operating configuration, the isolation and conduction configuration of the switches 23 determines the position of the slide 270 along the axis Y1 relative to the housing 1, respectively the authorization position and the prevention position.

[0173] In the operating configuration, the spring 278 maintains the lock 250 at the initial height relative to the slide 270, whether the slide is in the prevention or authorization position. The lock 250 then necessarily being in the unlocking orientation.

[0174] The lock 250 comprises an external part 251 which, in the operating configuration with the slider 270 in the preventing position, is retracted inside the housing 1, as shown in the figure 13 . In other words, the external part 251 is in the Y direction relative to the front face 11 of the housing 1 when the slider 270 is in the preventing position, indicating that the switches 23 are in the conduction configuration. Then, the lock 250 cannot be actuated by the technician, who cannot actuate the external part 251 from outside the housing 1. Thanks to this arrangement, the technician cannot put the lockout system in the lockout configuration when the switches 23 are in the conduction configuration, thus avoiding a lockout while a strong current from the power supply passes through the switches 23.

[0175] In the operating configuration with the slider 270 in the enabling position, at least one end of the external part 251 projects out of the housing 1, passing through an opening provided in the front face 11, as shown in the figure 14. For this, while the slider 270 is in the authorization position, the lock 250 is still at the initial height. Then, the technician has the possibility of switching the lockout system to the lockout configuration, first passing through the intermediate configuration, by actuating the lock 250, via the external part 251 projecting through the face 11 of the housing 1.

[0176] To transition from the operating configuration to the intermediate configuration, while the slider 270 is in the authorization position shown in the figure 14, the technician pulls on the external part 251 of the lock 250, to slide the lock 250 relative to the slider 270, from the initial height to the locking height, and the slider 270 relative to the housing from the authorization position to the retention position. Once the locking height is reached, the lock 250 is in axial abutment against the slider 270 in the opposite direction to the Y direction, by the finger 253 of the lock 250, in the opposite direction to the Y direction, abutting the end of the axial groove 274 of the lock opening into the groove 273. The slider 270 is itself retained in the retention position, either by the switches 23 themselves, or, preferably, by an axial stop provided on the housing 1. When the slider 270 has reached the retention position and the lock 250 is still in the unlocking orientation, the locking system has reached the intermediate configuration shown in FIG. figure 15 .

[0177] To reach the intermediate configuration, the technician pulled on the lock 250 against the elastic forces provided by the springs 278 and 279. To then move on to the lockout configuration shown on the figure 16 , the technician pivots the lock 250 from the lockout orientation to the lockout orientation, while maintaining the lock 250 at the lockout height against the elastic forces provided by the springs 278 and 279. Once the lockout orientation is reached, the lock 250 is maintained in the lockout position by axially abutting the stops 259 and 218

[0178] To return to the operating configuration from the lockout configuration, the technician first returns the lockout system to the intermediate configuration by rotating the lock from the lockout orientation to the lockout orientation, thus obtaining the intermediate configuration shown in the figure 15 .

[0179] When the lockout system is in the intermediate configuration and the technician releases the lock 250, the slider 270 returns to the authorization position relative to the housing 1 under the action of the slider spring 277, if the switches 23 are in the isolation configuration, and the lock 250 returns to the initial height under the action of the lock spring 278. The lockout system is then returned to the operating configuration.

[0180] Advantageously, it is provided that the lock 250 mechanically actuates the device 40 without an intermediate part, as shown in figures 13 to 16 . For this, the lock 250 advantageously comprises a ramp 256, formed on the internal part 252.

[0181] As shown on the figures 15 And 16 , when the lock 250 is at the locking height and the slide 270 in the authorization position, a part of the ramp 256 forming a cam is at the height of the control 44 along the axis Y1. On the other hand, in the operating configuration, the part of the ramp 256 forming the cam is axially offset from the control 44.

[0182] When the lock 250 is in the unlock orientation in the operating configuration, as shown in the figures 13 And 14, an axial portion of the ramp 256 with a relatively small radius relative to the axis Y1 is in contact with the control 44 without pressing it, or is not in contact with the control 44. Then, the ramp 256 does not actuate the control 44. When the lock 250 is in the unlocking orientation in the intermediate configuration, as shown in the Figure 13 to 15, the part of the ramp 256 forming the cam is at the height of the control 44. However, in the lockout orientation, it is a part of the cam with a relatively small radius relative to the axis Y1 which is in contact with the control 44, so that the control 44 is not pressed by the ramp 256. In other words, the ramp 256 does not actuate the mechanical control 44 when the lockout system is in the intermediate configuration. When it is not actuated by the ramp 256, the control 44 freely takes the position corresponding to the conduction configuration of the device 40, for example under the action of the internal spring of the device 40.

[0183] As shown on the figure 16, while the lock 250 is in the locking orientation, the part of the ramp 256 forming the cam is turned so as to press against the control 44, radially outwards, in particular against the action of the internal spring of the device 40 if one is provided. The control 44 being thus actuated by the ramp 256 of the lock 250, the device 40 is in the isolation configuration.

[0184] The lock 250 advantageously comprises a lockout hole 255, which is formed through the external portion 251 of the lock 250, and which is designed to receive a padlock, intended to lock the lockout system in the lockout configuration.

[0185] In the embodiment of the figures 13 to 17, the face 11 of the housing 1 constitutes a system for masking the orifice 255. Indeed, in the operating configuration, the face 11 masks the lockout orifice 255, in that the external part 251 of the lock 250 is retracted inside the housing 1. Then, the technician does not have the possibility of installing the padlock on the lockout orifice 255. In the lockout configuration, the lockout orifice 255 protrudes outside the housing 1 beyond the face 11, which therefore allows the orifice 255 to receive the padlock.

[0186] Once the padlock is in place in the lockout hole 255, the padlock holds the latch 250 at the lockout height, with the latch 250 holding the slider 270 in the retaining position. With the padlock in place, the switches 23 are held in the isolation configuration.

Claims

1. A protection unit (140) which is designed to electrically connect an electrical supply (124) to control units (138) of an electrical cabinet (100), the protection unit (140) comprising a housing (1) and at least one power switching device (20), which is arranged in the housing (1) and which comprises: - a power input (21), configured to be electrically connected to the electrical supply (124); - a power output (22) for electrical connection to the control units (138); and - a mechanical switch (23), which shifts between a conduction configuration, where the mechanical switch (23) electrically connects the power output (22) to the power input (21), and an isolation configuration, where the mechanical switch (23) electrically isolates the power output (22) from the power input (21); and said at least one power switching apparatus (20) comprises an electro-actuator (28), which is configured to actuate the mechanical switch (23) between the conduction configuration and the isolation configuration and the protection unit (140) further comprises: - an electronic control unit (30), which is arranged in the housing (1) and which is configured to control said at least one power switching device (20), by electrically controlling the electro-actuator (28); - an auxiliary switching device (40), which is arranged in the housing (1) and which comprises an auxiliary input (42), for being electrically connected to the electrical supply (124), an auxiliary output (43), for being electrically connected to the electronic control unit (30), and a mechanical control (44), to switch the auxiliary switching device (40) between a conduction configuration, where the auxiliary output (43) is electrically connected to the auxiliary input (42), and an isolation configuration, where the auxiliary output (43) is electrically isolated from the auxiliary input (42); and - a lockout system comprising a latch (50; 250) that is movable relative to the housing (1), the lockout system being configured to shift between: • a lockout configuration, wherein the latch (50; 250) is positioned in a lockout position and mechanically holds the mechanical switch (23) of said at least one power switching device (20) in an isolated configuration and mechanically holds the auxiliary switching device (40) in an isolated configuration; and • an operating configuration, wherein the latch (50; 250) is positioned so as to allow the mechanical switch (23) of said at least one power switching device (20) to shift between the isolation configuration and the conduction configuration and allows the auxiliary switching device (40) to shift between the conduction configuration and the isolation configuration.

2. The protection unit (140) according to claim 1, wherein, in the operating configuration, said at least one power switching apparatus (20) mechanically prevents the latch (50; 250) from being put in the lockout position, when the mechanical switch (23) is in the conduction configuration, and mechanically allows the latch (50; 250) to be put in the lockout position, when the mechanical switch (23) is in the isolation configuration.

3. The protection unit (140) according to any one of the claims 1 or 2, wherein: - the lockout system comprises a slide (70; 270), which is arranged in the housing (1) and is slidable relative to the housing (1) along a main axis (Y1) that is fixed relative to the housing (1); - in the lockout configuration, to mechanically hold the mechanical switch (23) of said at least one power switching device (20) in the isolation configuration, the latch (50; 250) holds the slide (70; 270) in a retaining position relative to the housing (1), wherein the slide (70; 270) mechanically holds the mechanical switch (23) in the isolation configuration; and - in the operating configuration, the slide (70; 270) is driven by the mechanical switch (23) of said at least one power switching device (20), between: • a prevention position, when the mechanical switch (23) is in the conduction configuration, where the latch (50; 250) is prevented from being moved into the lockout position, and • an allowing position, when the mechanical switch (23) is in the isolation configuration, where the latch (50; 250) is allowed to be moved to the lockout position.

4. The protection unit (140) according to claim 3, wherein: - the latch (50; 250) pivots relative to the slide (70; 270) about the main axis (Y1), between a locking orientation, when the latch (50; 250) is in the locking position, and a release orientation, adopted in the operating configuration; - the slide (70; 270) and the latch (50; 250) comprise axial stops (53, 73; 253, 276), which are arranged so as to: • face each other parallel to the main axis (Y1) when the latch (50; 250) is in the locking position, so that, in the locking configuration, the latch (50; 250) holds the slide (70; 270) in the retaining position by bringing the axial stops (53, 73; 253, 276) into abutment and thus facing each other; and • be offset relative to each other about the main axis (Y1) when the latch (50; 250) is in the release orientation, so that, in the operating configuration, the latch (50; 250) allows the slide (70; 270) to be moved between the prevention position and the allowing position.

5. The protection unit (140) according to claim 4, wherein the latch (50; 250) and the slide (70; 270) comprise rotation stops (54, 74; 253, 274), which are arranged so as to: - be at the same height along the main axis (Y1), when the lockout system is in the operating configuration with the slide (70; 270) in the blocking position, so that the slide (70; 270) holds the latch (50; 250) in the unlocking orientation by bringing the rotation stops (54, 74; 253, 274) into abutment; and - be at different heights along the main axis (Y1), when the lockout system is in the lockout configuration, so that the slide (70; 270) allows the latch (50; 250) to be pivoted between the lockout orientation and the unlocking orientation.

6. The protection unit (140) according to any one of claims 4 or 5, wherein the latch (50; 250) is fixed in translation along the main axis (Y1), relative to the housing (1).

7. The protection unit (140) according to any one of claims 3 to 6, wherein the locking system comprises a slide spring (277), which exerts a resilient force on the slide (70; 270), by bearing on the housing (1), tending to move the slide (70; 270) towards the prevention position, when the slide (70; 270) is in the retention position.

8. The protection unit (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (50; 250) comprises a ramp (56; 256), which is configured to actuate the mechanical control (44) of the auxiliary switching device (40), to put the auxiliary switching device (40) in an isolation configuration, when the latch (50; 250) is in a lockout position and which is configured not to actuate the mechanical control (44) when the lockout system is in an operating configuration.

9. The protection unit (140) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch (50; 250) comprises a lockout orifice (55; 255) and the lockout system comprises a masking system (62; 11), which is configured to: - allowing the lockout orifice (55; 255) to receive a padlock (61), when the lockout system is in the lockout configuration; and - masking the lockout orifice (55; 255) when the lockout system is in the operating configuration, to prevent the lockout orifice (55; 255) from receiving the padlock (61).

10. An electrical cabinet (100), comprising: - the protection unit (140) according to any of the preceding claims; and - control units (138), electrically connected to the power output (22) of said at least one power switching device (20).

Images